The City of Portland is now accepting proposals for funding from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.
PCEF was created by a ballot measure passed in 2018 by Portland voters to implement climate actions that center on equity and serve traditionally underrepresented populations.
Now in its second year, the program will award about $60 million to eligible nonprofits to submit proposals benefiting benefit communities of color, low-income Portlanders and disadvantaged Portlanders in the areas of:
- clean energy (including energy efficiency and solar) projects
- workforce development, contractor training and support
- green infrastructure and regenerative agriculture
- innovation
Nonprofits can apply directly or partner with other groups, including for-profit businesses. Applications will be accepted until November 30.
While Energy Trust is not directly involved in PCEF and does not receive PCEF funding, it has worked with PCEF applicants and funded organizations from the first round of funding to better serve customers of color and low-income customers.
For instance, Energy Trust is supporting Community Energy Project, which was awarded PCEF funds in April, in offering home retrofits for Black homeowners, and Constructing Hope, another PCEF recipient, in providing workforce training.
Learn more about the request for proposals and how Energy Trust can help groups considering applying.